The Winning Summer (Keystone Stables, No. 5)

Marsha Hubler once again produces another fun, interesting, entertaining and inspiring book in the Keystone Stables series. The new character in the book is Katie, a girl who went blind due to an auto accident. Though there is not a great amount of detail as to the transition from sight to blindness, Mrs. Hubler does successfully convey the emotions experienced by those who have recently gone blind. I should know, as I am blind myself. Some of the adaptive devices used by the blind are also mentioned. I would recommend this book for several reasons. 1. It is inspiring and thought-provoking.. 2. It keeps the reader interested and entertained. 3. It is largely realistic. I would like to point out two facts that will clarify things somewhat. Katie is depressed and isolated throughout most of the book. Although this is a common emotional state for individuals who first lose their sight, it DOES NOT often persist so long as the blind person receives the necessary training and experience. Though this is commonly thought to occur, mostly due to having been portrayed so frequently in the obviously stereotypical media, blind people DO NOT EVER touch the faces of other people. However, so long as the reader is aware of this fact I do not see the inclusion of this scene as presenting too much of a problem. I personally choose to view this scene with humor. Mrs. Hubler has obviously done extensive research in preparation for the task of accurately portraying the blind person. I believe she has succeeded. This book is good on its own, but I would highly recommend purchasing the other books as well, as it will allow the reader to obtain a greater understanding of the Keystone Stables setting. As stated earlier, I give this book five stars, or should I say five folding canes.